Andre Ethier – Los Angeles Dodgers – According to T.J. Simers of the Los Angeles Times (click here for the article) has a quote from Ethier saying, “It’s only going to get worse from this point. I’ve dealt with it all season long, but as the season goes on my body wears down. That’s just the way it is — I keep getting put in the lineup, so what am I supposed to do?” He’s talking about an injured knee, which apparently is in need of offseason surgery. At this point it doesn’t appear likely that the Dodgers shut him down, but who knows for sure. That plan can change at some point, and relatively soon. It would give the team a chance to see what Jerry Sands can do on a regular basis, as he is hitting .279 with 27 HR and 81 RBI in 341 AB at Triple-A (Pacific Coast League). In deeper formats, he’s worth a speculative add just in case. Ethier was out of the lineup yesterday, though it is unknown at this point if it was a one day rest or not. If you are in a weekly format, you may want to be looking at other options.

Nelson Cruz – Texas Rangers – According to Drew Davison of the Forth Worth Star-Telegram (click here for the post), “That’s when Cruz felt his left hamstring pull. He left the game, and immediately thought for the worst.” Cruz doesn’t believe the injury is serious, being quoted as saying, “But after I got treatment, it was definitely more normal. Hopefully, it’s something that will take only a few days.” Time will tell, though you have to expect him to be out of action for at least a couple of days. If you are in a weekly format, it is probably worth sitting him depending on your other options.

Hanley Ramirez – Florida Marlins – Christina De Nicola of mlb.com (click here for the article) is reporting that, “Hanley Ramirez has his sights on returning to the Marlins on Wednesday, and to the same place where he got injured earlier this month.” Time will tell, but depending on your other options those in weekly formats may want to roll the dice on him for the coming week.

Michael Brantley – Cleveland Indians – According to the team’s Twitter feed, “Brantley will have right hand surgery early next week to remove the hamate bone and start of 2012 will not be affected”. In other words, his 2011 campaign has officially come to a close. He leaves behind a line of .266, 7 HR, 46 RBI, 63 R and 13 SB. He’ll likely be a low-end option in five-outfielder formats in 2012.

Freddy Garcia – New York Yankees – Marc Carig (via Twitter) is reporting that, “Garcia pitching tomorrow. CC, Hughes, AJ next.” Generally we don’t recommend starting a pitcher in their first start off the DL, but Garcia will be a two-start pitcher taking on the Orioles and Blue Jays. If you want to roll the dice on him, there are worse gambles to take.

Erik Bedard – Boston Red Sox – According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe (click here for the article), “Bedard told Francona around the third inning his left knee was sore. Bedard missed about a month with a sprain in that knee prior to being traded to the Sox from Seattle. Bedard, however, said the knee loosened up and started feeling better and didn’t see it as a concern.” It’s worth monitoring for now, though there is no indication on if he will miss his next start or not.

Carlos Lee – Houston Astros – The Houston Chronicle (click here for the article) is reporting that, “Lee doubled against Sergio Romo in a 2-2 game and hustled to beat the throw from right field. He came in hard to collide with shortstop Orlando Cabrera. Lee’s right leg bent and it appeared the spikes on his right shoe got caught on the bag. He grabbed his right ankle in pain as the training staff rushed out to help him off the field.” Brian McTaggart (via Twitter) later reported that, “Carlos Lee says his mild right ankle sprain won’t keep him out of lineup tomorrow. He’s 6 for his last 7 at the plate.” Time will tell, but it appears that if you wanted to roll the dice with him you could.

Sergio Romo – San Francisco Giants – He came off the DL to allow 1 H over 0.2 innings, striking out 2. With Brian Wilson still on the DL he could see time closing games, making him worth owning if you are desperate for saves.

Andres Torres – San Francisco Giants – He was atop the Giants lineup in his first game off the DL, going 1-5 with 1 R and 1 SB. With all of the injuries the team needs him to get things going and set the table, though it has seemingly been a struggle for him all year long. In five-outfielder formats he’s worth monitoring, but no an advisable play quite yet.

Adam Jones – Baltimore Orioles – After missing a couple of days, Jones returned yesterday and played in both parts of the double header (1-5, 2 RBI). He certainly appears to be a safe play in all formats.